"Ears pinned back, another unneeded surgery for vanity. If you declare vanity as child abuse, at least roll it across the board."

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to playTap to play

The video will start in 8Cancel

Play now

However the majority of parents who took part in the debate feel strongly against it.

Kelly Artley said: "I cried watching this. It's a form of abuse."

Sarah Watt said: "It's a clear case of child abuse in my opinion and when I see young babies with their ears pierced I feel absolutely disgusted in their parents.

"We are in modern day society and still removing a child's human right of choice.

"I think the social services should tighten up rules. I think the minimum legal age should be three, as the child is able to understand the procedure and aftercare and most of all able to consent."

Vickie Thompson said: "I think it's disgraceful, it made me feel sick to my stomach watching that sweet innocent little baby in pain, why would you put your baby in a position to feel pain

"My daughters are four and a half years old and three and they can have their ears pierced if they want when they're old enough to understand."

Jo Hardwidge said: "I saw this and was appalled. There should be a law against it. But then any responsible parent wouldn't do it."

What do the experts say?

According to obstetrician Dr Gannon, who spoke to Mamamia , from a medical point of view, there is no perfect age to do it .

Dr Gannon says having your ears pierced only comes with a minor risk of bleeding, infection, low-grade inflammation and scarring.

This applies at any age and does not change depending on whether a person is a child or adult.

The obstetrician also acknowledged that while there is a risk of a child ripping an earring out, the chance of this happening - and subsequent complications - were low.

What Dr Gannon did advise was "to ask yourself the question 'does it really need to be done?, and in choosing the person who’s going to do it, just make sure that it’s done to the highest possible standards of hygiene to reduce the risk of infection."

As for the argument it causes a child pain who doesn't have a say in the procedure, Dr Gannon adds: "It's not the case that small children don't perceive pain, but it is the case that they're less likely to recall a specific episode if it's done when they're only a few months of age."